Monthly Archives: December 2013

“Never grow old in your heart. Never stop learning. Striving to be all we can be in Christ is what’s important, so we must continue until we reach the end.” (death)

In 1795, graphite and clay were mixed together for the first time, creating a new writing tool; the pencil. When I was a child, just starting school, I learned how to print with a # 2 pencil. The great inventors of today tell us by 2040 we should have the Power Pencil. The one that will remember all of our assignments; the ones written with that pencil.

When it was time to learn how to write in longhand, as it was called back in the day, I was introduced to the Fountain Pen. The fountain pens oldest design, that we know of, has been dated back to 1702. This pen has now become a part of my school supplies.

My desk was equipped with an inkwell; a hole cut into the right top section of the desk to hold the ink bottle. When I was learning to use the pen, I was plagued with having ink spills and other problems. It’s new and improved replacement came in the form of the Ballpoint Pen. Although the design of the pen was conceived in 1888, it was not crafted until 1938 for our personal use.

As time passed and the learning process called for even more advanced educational tools, the ball point pen was still a great friend to me. The boy sitting behind me could no longer stick my long black braided hair into the ink.

While still trying to master the ballpoint pen, I was introduced to the Typewriter; which was conceived in the 1860’s. It wasn’t long before the typewriter became an electric one. I marveled at the advancements. By 1964 we could see the results of our work on a video display. But what blew my mind was the invention of the Word Processor in the 1980’s. This new technology gave life to the Personal Computer and its keyboard.

If that was not amazing enough, the ones who never mastered some of the skills taught in school, we’re glad to know that Dragon Naturally Speaking had made its way onto the scene. Now all we had to do was talk, but we still had to have knowledge about some basic writing skills; for instance where to put the semi-colon or comma. Something that still eludes me.

The ability to dumb ourselves down has reached a new reality. Voice Recognition; I heard lawmakers are considering removing classical writing from the school roster. What next; are we really “going out the world, backward?” Has the advancement of the modern man become so advanced we don’t need to be knowledgeable in the areas that took us out of the stone age?

The world we live in is always evolving, but “some things never change;” and some of those things are deadly and need to be dealt with by a higher power. Jesus Christ would be the best suited for these types of situations.

We can start with Pride it has the power to break us down, and it is often called vanity. This is an excessive belief in one’s own ability. It is deadly because it interferes with the individual’s recognition of the Grace of God.

Another is Envy; the desire for the traits of others, their status, and abilities or situation. Some of us want knowledge, but without character.

Gluttony; a desire to consume more than what is required. Sometimes just to keep it from another.

Lust; a craving for the pleasures of the body. We want what we want, and we want it without being burdened with a guiltyconscience.

Anger; is manifested hatred that spurns love for fury or wrath.

Greed; a desire for material wealth or gain. Ignoring the realm of the Spiritual. Relishing covetousness; wanting what others have. Stealing, instead of making an effort to achieve our desires on our own.

Slothful; lazy, doing everything possible to avoid work. Physical or Spiritual. We all want wealth, but some of us want to use the sweat from some others back, unwilling to put in the work in ourselves.

“SOMETHINGS NEVER CHANGE;” like the meaning of those words.

But the consequences of those 7 deadly sins can be changed if we change our outlook, and realize wealth without work, pleasure without a conscience, science without humanity, knowledge without character, politics without principle, commerce without morality and worship without sacrifice, is not worth it.

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing but stealing from the virtues of others.” Convinced, charity is a significant weakness, and taking the chastity of those too young and unprepared is acceptable. Working diligently to steal the good works of others, while mistaking kindness for weakness and humility as soft and foolish.

“Some things will never change,” if you don’t make it happen. So I suggest, you know who you are dealing with. One being Satan. He is the one who represents vengeance. The vengeance that leads to sin and all sin lead to physical and emotional dissatisfaction. Without the Grace of God, many may have found out, that this world of the flesh, has a way of finding the Devil.

FYI: We all have a different perspective in life, we were all made by God for God, and everybody’s dignity is the same. Knowing we must respect each other if we expect anything to change.

“The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Jesus Christ has the power the change lives; fulfilling them with joy and overflowing with purpose. With Christ, what matters is the attitude of our heart and our honesty. So some things can be changed, and one of those things could be you.

I come a long way from the days of the pencil, and technology leads the way. The longest journey begins with me, not an invention. The 1st step is just having the courage to put one foot in front of the other. “Happiness doesn’t have an address, it has a heart.”

When I was a child, I could look you in the eye and tell a lie; I was trying out my authority. As a young adult, lying was a bad habit that caused me to be untrustworthy. Something, I changed about me. I know I did the things I did because I decided to do them, and without much thought. I changed, when I stopped following after me and started following after Christ.

I know “we cannot turn back the hands of time,” but we don’t have to repeat the same sins over and over. Something else I changed. As a child, stick and stones hurt my feelings and the fight was on, now I take that pain and cry in private. I don’t care what they or I said, I only wished I had kept my mouth shut long enough to see or hear “the rest of the story.”

“Some things never change,” but I have. I simply accepted The Master’s Plan for my life.

“As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speaks as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God give: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen 1st Peter 4:10

In a matter of hours we will begin a New Year; why not start it off being a new person in Christ?

We have the power to change, it is written; “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.”

HAPPY NEW YOU, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, IN THE NAME OF JESUS; THE NAME WE CELEBRATE ALL LIFE LONG. AMEN

Like this:

The voice is the sound made by the vibrations from the vocal cords. For the most part, it has a distinctive sound to its own. Some voices are sweet, like that of a tenor voice. Our voices are used for communication; to give voice to a mute or cartoon character. Our voices can be active, passive, loud or soft.

There is one thing we all have in common when it come to our voices and Christ, and that is; He created us to hear His Voice. So we need to understand the fact that if the voices we are hearing contradicts TheScriptures-God didn’t say it; and I don’t know who you heard. Want me to guess?

When our voice’s come together in harmony, a choir can be formed, but if we are all talking at the same time it creates babble, and that is not music to our ears. The voice cannot work alone, it needs four organs to function properly in my opinion. The tongue, the mouth and the vocal cords. The fourth is the spit that holds them all together, and the one that falters the most; Our Mind. A healthy brain is needed to be an asset, in all aspects of everything.

The voice is not only audible, it also has a special sound only we can hear in our heads. There are some who hear with their eyes; such as when using sign language, body posture, etc. Our voices are one of the most widely used, and one of the most powerful tools we possess as humans; with or without sound.

The Holy Spirit tops the list for me.

Oftentimes, we talk so much it has become commonplace to not think before we speak. How we use our voice and what we use it for is what’s important. Understand if you are silent about your pain or not voice your opinions, just life in general and it kills you, others may say you brought it on yourself. As if we enjoy suffering.

Our problems need to be addressed, and we need to find the courage to speak boldly about them; if we intend to be heard. In order to find a solution, “Go to God inPrayer!” The God I serve Jesus Christ will guide us to the correct solution for our unique and personal situations.

If we concentrate, stay still and study the Word, we will learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. This way we will be able to hear theVoiceof Christ in our hearts. With this knowledge in tack, we can travel down the right path and properly form the words in our mouths that “Glorify and Praise the Lord.”

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it, “Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

Our voices are often used as a defense tactic and an excuse. If we are guilty of some infraction, for some reason we cannot keep our big mouths shut. A dead giveaway when we are wrong or have wronged someone. Talking about “speaking in tongues,” but not in a wise way, if you get my drift.

A conscience is what I use to call the Holy Spirit. Now some may choose to disagree, claiming not to have either one; that’s alright with me. But things change when we can discern the Words of Christ, our conscience will become known as The Holy Spirit, the more we learn about ourselves thru Christ. That’s the voice we all should be striving to hear.

Some hear strange voices; for instance the one’s where a “little birdie” or our “first mind” is telling us something. “Don’t go there,” could be what one of those voices is saying. O.K. But when we practice the Words of Christ and use them with common sense, we may recognize Jesus as the realauthor and not some bird; this time. “Stay with it until you get it.” Pray for clarity. Then and only then can we discern (understand) both good and evil.

We choose our paths, including what we believe and to whom we listen. So I have taken to the notion that we can hear three different voices. The 1st is the one we all know, all too well, the Devil. The 2nd is the greedy voice of our bodies, willing to go and do whatever it pleases without reservations. Last but not lease, heard but often dismissed, and the most important and sweetest sound of them all; The Voice of Jesus Christ.

Our voices have different ranges; even the smooth tones of a tenor can fuel a fire, just as easily as it can calm the worst of nerves. Powerful in all aspects… Even the bible tells us “life or death lies in the power of the tongue.” Our physical voice can create a problem, if it is not contained.

At some of the most inopportune times, the tongue and mouth can become dangerously out of control, and they can be the “masters of disguise.”When those two are working together in an unchristian-like fashion; our voices can get loud, causing us to “say one thing and mean another.” Some of us need to get a grip on that sometimes nasty mouth, even if we have to “bite our tongues.”

For safety reasons our voice is best used when the brain is working properly, causing most of us, I hope, to use common sense and knowledge. Some conversations are not worth it. So keep in mind if you are hated for trying to reason with others, walk away before anger get the best of you.

The old folks say; “Loose lips sink ships.” The bible says “A fool will only resent you more.”

Some may not want to admit to voices only heard in their head. Some voices are whispering in our ears, and some from our peers, etc... (Demons.) Each voice has a personality of its own.The voice I am seeking is the one that’s in one accord with Christ Jesus.

So I am proclaiming with my voice, Jesus is Lord.

As strange as it may seem we sometimes miss what is being said, not only because we weren’t listening, we were not watching the body language. And most of us have issues because we can only hear our own voice, although someone else was speaking.

In some countries the tongue is cut out for lying, the hand cut off for stealing and lives lost from the voices of deceit and misdirection. Our voice, when speaking in truth is one of the most useful tools we process to fight against the Devil, in the physical world.

Talk about Christ to the Devil, in any world, and he will flee. “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

Since we are a race of “I know-it-all,” be careful not pushy when speaking the truth. Sometimes we try to drown out the voices of others while trying to be heard, causing us to have miscues in patience. I resolved this issue by putting pen to paper.It’s best for you to do you, I now let my words out with a new-found calmness; I have been known on occasions to get loud. Sometimes at a cost.

When we receive the Holy Spirit, “The Lord will put his rules in our minds, and write them down on our hearts.” Hebrews 8:10 Jesus Christ speaks to our heart, in the Spirit, we must learn to listen in spirit, to obtain a Christ-like voice and Everlasting Life.

Jesus wants to hear our voices, especially in praise, so “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 Amen!

We have been told, it’s simple enough; If we want to be heard by Christ, lift up your VOICE, SING and PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME.

Like this:

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over againstthe other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.” Ecclesiastes 7:14

Nothing last forever, even our appreciation for the Sun on a cloudy day. Know that there is a silver lining behind most dark clouds. But in any event, we must do our best in the days of adversity, (trouble) just to survive.

Today as with some days can be changed, but to make that happen we had better pick up the pace, very soon this day will be over. Yesterday was yesterday; it is dead and gone except for in our memories. Take into consideration every day is a good day and a blessing because it start’s new.

“Today can be a good day!” Especially if we realized it is up to us to make it that way. With the help ofJesus Christ, we should be able to earned this day. Our goal is to accomplished what we started, with no regrets. So when we accomplish what we set out to do, we make strides. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

A great day is when we save the day, by recognizing the Devil and not allowing him to come in and disrupt our peace; placing obstacles in our path with the intent of spoiling all things that are good. This is the perfect opportunity to seize the day by simply reacting to the knowledge that Jesus is Lord. When are hearts are prepared, we know these interruptions can be properly warded off and dealt with in the Name of the Lord.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11-12

What a wonderful day when we wake just in time to see the sunrise and watch the sunset before bed; knowing Jesus Christ allowed us another day to feel the breeze, and fill our lungs with fresh air. For some, most days are just “Gone with the Wind.”

I love and appreciate every day, I just didn’t know how much until that bout with cancer, but I always knew; “This is the daywhich the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

It’s a sad day when we don’t realize our blessings, and sometimes when we do we take them for granted. “It’s just another day, who cares?” I can almost guarantee you will if you come close to losing a body part, or close enough to death; somehow you will get the big picture. Some things have a tendency to snap us back to reality in a rather hasty and sometimes harsh fashion.

It’s smart to utilize the whole day; we may not get another one, and death doesn’t concern itself with our plans.If we are fruitful in our days, we may be ready for some things that are unforeseen. (Slush funds for rainy days, etc.)

Time management is an excellent start for a successful day, and at the end, we can proclaim we put it to good use. Something to be proud of.

Some of us can feel the power of the Holy Spirit engulfing us as days turn into nights and life goes on. Some of us feel peace and joy for no apparent reason other than for the fact that we love the Lord, and he loves us. Some of us know why we are alive, and that is to have a purpose of spreading the word telling all Jesus is alive.

If it were not for the Grace of God, (Jesus) where would we be on this day? I know where we could be, even if you don’t. In case you are that naive listen up; there is always the possibility we could be dead and or in Hell instead of here working things out for the betterment of ourselves, as well as others.

Most days I can find goodness, even on hectic ones I still can enjoy some of the tiniest of rewards; for instance, going to the mailbox to happily discover there is no bills or advertisement, knowing they will come, but not today. And believe me, it is always a good day when we do something for someone who didn’t ask.

It’s not easy to volunteer precious time in this fast paced society. But sacrifice is what it’s all about. The blessings behind this action are simple; one small gesture can make a huge difference to those in need and can be satisfying to our own sense of self-worth.

As with everything, there are rules so; anything worthy is done in TheName of Jesus, and vanity is out of the equation. Also, just in case you didn’t know, a sacrifice is only a sacrifice if it cost you something. Whatever! Be Forever Grateful and Thanking the Lord for the strength to carry out whatever there is to do in those 24 hours with no excuses.

The “I don’t care what day it is” people, need our support too.When choosing to be a blessing to others, it creates a real possibility that in the process we can better ourselves. It is important when family, friends, and others need our support and our services, and we are there for them.

Take into consideration if we go about their business as if it were our own, we may find success when giving or offering an open hand.But!Don’t be hasty, some things call for an invitation.

FYI: Jesus gives us the strength to endure whatever is needed by His Grace, using us as vessels for the support of others. Christ did this every day, so I am sure he expects no less from us.

It is a special day when we can step out of our own comfort zone, on purpose. Giving our all to someone else’s worthy task; something we do not excel in and actually tries to make a difference.This is an adrenaline rush for me. I like how it feels to be aware of the fact that it was the Grace of God and not me, who did it. It gives me another reason to Testify that “God is Good.”

I know if we Praise Christ all day just because we woke up wanting to praise him, and spreading the good news that Jesus is Lord, some may stop wishing their lives away. Worrying about what’s to come and praying this day will soon be over.

We must come to the conclusion that every day is precious, but for it to be successful, we will have to change our attitude and outlook on life. That can be accomplished by realizing, making sense of, and doing something about our day.

“It’s not the day, it’s what we make of it.” Everyday “is what it is.” And if we allow positive things to consume our heart and our mind, we can free up negative space. We could fill the void with better things to come, changing our very lives around. Some of us never realize on most days we ” waste time-wasting time.” Not any more for me, that’s because these days I am responsible enough to use time wisely, and on a daily basis.

Time is a commodity we can never recover. Ask a Senior Citizen.

When we can govern time, our days are spent wisely because now we can govern ourselves. Most know getting anywhere on time is an asset,plus being on time reduces the stress level, and others do appreciate us for not wasting their time.

“It’s not all about me.” Well, at least not today, as some may say.It’s all about TheMaster,and it is this type of thinking that makes us wiser than we were yesterday, and the happier leading into tomorrow.

Our lives are similar to a ticking clock; (tick, tick) get on the move to go full circle andmake the most of it.Surely we all will die, but in the process instead of being mean and vindictive, believing the world owe us something because we’re here; do something about yourself one day at a time.

Try the joy of living in the world thru Christ Jesus and enjoy the good days because you trust him; allowing you the freedom to believe he will not let worldly things cause your day to falter.

Everyday is a good day when we can share our resources and experiences with all who wish to receive them, and we benefit by listening to others, and believing we and they are worthy of belief. It’s a blessing to be alive, and to be taken at face value because we Love and Trust in the Lord. To know and others know, we can be trusted, by allowing our trustworthiness to shine through because of our actions, and the words from our hearts in Testimony.

It is a Christ-likeday when we make sacrifices and initiate good beginnings by following our hearts, causing us to obey The HolySpirit that resides there. Now thatday has been put to good use.

Give yourself to Jesus and get yourself some of those good days, leading to a better life.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.”Psalms 118:29